Stand point paper
Consider where you are currently at in your understanding of classic &
contemporary sociological theory.
■ Which scholars do you gravitate towards? What concepts seem to be most
helpful in understanding your world? How does your perspective influence
the nature of the research you hope to pursue as a sociologist?
■ You are expected to provide no more than 4 double-spaced pages that
include your 1) personal and professional experiences/reflections, 2)
theoretical standpoint, and 3) current/potential research interests as they
relate to course themes.
■ Standpoint on social theory (25 points)
– Personal and professional experiences/reflections
– Effective explanation of your positionality in relation to your stated research/professional interests
■ Understanding of sociological theory (30 points)
– Outline one or two theoretical approaches that align with your standpoint
– Effective discussion of theory in relation to positionality
– Use of text & scholarly sources
■ Current/potential research interests (25 points)
– Effective explanation of your academic & professional interests in relation to the course themes
Sample Solution
My experience with sociological theories is still relatively limited, however I have studied classics such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim which all help to inform my understanding of society. My standpoint has been shaped by the fact that I am a young woman working in a male-dominated industry, where gender inequality is still an ongoing issue. This has led me to focus on feminist theory from authors such as Simone de Beauvoir and Judith Butler. These thinkers provide valuable insights into how gender dynamics shape our lives and challenge existing power structures. As well as exploring these ideas further for academic purposes, I also hope that researching them can help me to better understand how these perspectives play out practically in the workplace and beyond.
I am particularly interested in looking at how gendered perceptions of work are perpetuated through modern media like television and film. Looking at representations of women in workplaces helps us to see how traditional attitudes towards gender roles remain embedded in our culture even when other aspects may appear progressive or equal on the surface. Theories such as intersectionality by Kimberlé Crenshaw emphasize the importance of examining different types of discrimination simultaneously rather than one type alone; this has relevance both theoretically and practically since we must be aware of multiple sources of oppression if we are to create meaningful change within society.
In terms of research interests, my primary area lies with investigating the effects that unequal gender roles have on women’s social identities, especially when it comes to their status within professional contexts such as business or politics. By doing so, I hope to gain greater insight into why certain opportunities become available or inaccessible based upon patriarchal standards that often go unchallenged but nevertheless remain pervasive elements in many societies today. These issues can be approached using qualitative methods like interviews or case studies which can help us uncover deeper layers behind unequal power dynamics between men and women more effectively than quantitative approaches might allow for.
Overall, my positionality allows me to draw meaningfully from classic sociological theorists while bringing attention to more contemporary concerns regarding gender relations today; understanding theoretical principles helps me formulate concrete plans for what type of empirical research needs conducting if any tangible progress is going to be made in tackling oppressive ideologies still prevalent throughout western cultures today . Thus far this analysis has helped provide some clarity around my aims for future work/research which should ideally involve critically examining existing conditions before designing strategies aimed at challenging entrenched inequalities wherever possible – something I plan on pursuing further during graduate school hopefully sooner rather than later